by Saira Lortan
Tea with chewable elements? Sign us up. Experience the best of both worlds with bubble tea, also known as boba tea. It’s not only popular for its delicious flavours, but also for its ultra-satisfying chewy tapioca or popping jelly pearls that burst with syrupy sweet deliciousness when you bite into them. It’s the ultimate flavour-and-texture experience. We know you're already salivating, so we've rounded up the best bubble tea spots in Joburg.
Bubble Boba
Bubble Boba in Rivonia is the ultimate spot for boba-obsessed influencers because of its ultra-cute and Instagrammable aesthetic. If you’re not an influencer, this is still the spot for you because the bubble tea is just as good as the decor. Not only do they offer classic bubble tea in many mouth-watering flavours, but they also sell fresh mochi in a variety of funky flavours, custom cakes, and even adorable boba cake cups. For a unique experience, grab a few friends and try the boba milk pot, which serves up to four people.
Details: Website | 329 Rivonia Boulevard, Sandton | WhatsApp: +27 66 007 9087
Bao & Tea
If having a little bit of everything was a place, Bao & Tea would be it. They offer a wide variety of drinks, desserts, and food to suit every palate. Some of their more adventurous drink options include grape, lemon, orange, and grapefruit americano coffee and cheese tea (tea with a velvety cheese foam topping). They even have bingsu shaved ice!
Wait, there’s more! They also offer a food menu featuring bao buns, bao burgers, and Korean chicken. There are even combos that include chips and a drink. This is the kind of place where you walk in wanting to try one item and end up walking out with everything but the kitchen sink.
Details: Website | Chilli Lane Shopping Centre, Rivonia Rd & Leeuwkop Rd, Sunninghill, Sandton | [email protected]
Simplicity Coffee & Tea
Simplicity Coffee & Tea in Cyrildene is known for having some of the best bubble tea in Joburg. This cosy store offers a massive variety of hot and cold teas and coffees. If you’re overwhelmed by all the options, not to worry. Just tell the super sweet, boba expert owner what your favourite flavours are, and she’ll whip you up something ultra tasty. Stop by this hidden gem if you want to indulge in authentic bubble tea and a friendly atmosphere.
Details: 11 Derrick Ave, Cyrildene, Johannesburg | +27 11 616 0288
Bubble & Co
Bubble & Co in Emmarentia is famous for their “special-teas”, sodas, slushies, and more. They aim to cater to all tea lovers and even offer DIY drinks. They are also well known for their special bubble tea blends like strawberry crème brûlée, and their limited edition flavours like chocolate cookie with Oreo cookies and Nutella. This is the spot for you if you’re that one friend who always wants to try something new and never places the same order twice.
Details: Website | 145B Barry Hertzog Avenue, Emmarentia | 084 084 7797 | [email protected]
Ben's Bubble Tea
Ben's Bubble Tea went from a pop-up store in Melrose Arch to the fastest-growing bubble tea chain in South Africa, with numerous locations across the country. We’re not surprised because they offer irresistibly delicious bubble teas in various flavours, and new flavours are constantly being added to the menu. One of the latest offerings is the Thai Crumble, a traditional milk tea with brown sugar boba and cream mousse, finished with Lotus Biscoff crumbs. They even let you customise your sweetness level, so this is a safe spot if you’re worried about your teeth falling out.
Details: Website | +27 72 682 5529 | [email protected]
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and creamy or fresh and fruity, you’ll be sure to find a bubble tea spot in Joburg to satisfy your craving. From fancy, frothy, and fun flavours to fizzy popping pearls, these boba bosses promise not to disappoint.
